Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 38 year-old JRowe Keola Bennett of Puna was charged in relation to operating a Dodge Challenger that was reported stolen from a residence in Nanawale Estates and methamphetamine distribution offenses for purchasing the stolen vehicle with methamphetamine.

As the Complaint alleges, Bennett, a repeat offender who has prior felony convictions for Robbery in the Second Degree and Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle, was charged with Habitual Property Crime (committing a property crime within ten years of being convicted of two prior felonies), Unauthorized Control of Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree (unauthorized control of a Dodge Challenger without the owner’s consent), and Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Second Degree (distribute any amount of methamphetamine). If convicted as charged, Bennett faces sentencing to a mandatory prison term as a result of his prior felony convictions.

Bennett was also arrested for two outstanding Circuit Court warrants that were issued after he failed to appear for re-sentencing for revocation of his felony probation earlier this month.

On January 27, Bennett appeared in Hilo Circuit Court for return on the Circuit Court warrants and was again granted supervised release over Prosecutors’ objections.  He made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on January 31, and despite being granted supervised release in his Circuit Court matters, Bennett remains in custody in lieu of $45,000.00 bail for his new felony charges.  Bennett was ordered to appear for his preliminary hearing on February 2.

The case was initiated by Officer Keaolapule Fessenden-Grace, Puna Patrol, and the felony investigation was handled by Detective John Balberde, Area I Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elyssa Correia Keltner.

The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office